Until a talent is properly harnessed into something beneficial to the person involved, it remains a potential.
Thus, while it is good to have that potential, it is even more important to know how to harness it. This is because knowing one’s potential, which is the person’s worth, helps in translating that potential into something practicable capable of changing society.
This is why the charge from the Chief Executive Officer of Databank Ghana, Mr Kojo Addae-Mensah, to the youth to stop underestimating their potential, comes in handy.
Given the challenges associated with thinking big in the country, he said most people were constrained into underestimating their potential, which could negate their success.
This mentality, he said was counter-productive and must be shunned.
Speaking on the Springboard, Your Virtual University, on JOY FM, Mr Addae-Mensah observed that Ghanaians, especially the youth should be inspired to think big of themselves rather than underestimating value.
He said they should rather be focused on inspiring themselves, dreaming big, willing to prepare, and start small and work towards attaining big results over time.
Roadshow in Tamale
As a continuation of the series titled: ‘Dare to Dream,’ the discussion with the Databank CEO exposed audience to the activities needed to continuously improve all functions in developing one’s capabilities in order to achieve future goals.
The roadshow, which is the brainchild of Reverend Albert Ocran and his wife, Comfort, has, over the past decade, consistently educated, inspired and moved lots of people to take bold steps needed to shape and change their lives.
Every year, young entrepreneurs, graduates and students across all the regions of the country participate in the programme that gives career mentorship experience to the participants..
Mr Addae-Mensah, who was a speaker at the Tamale Springboard Roadshow, narrated his experience on the March 20, edition of the Springboard Radio show hosted by Rev. Ocran.
He said it was not enough for a person to dream, but he or she must script it down and then adopt a systematic approach to follow that dream.
He also urged Ghanaians to think and dream big, but remember to start small, implement in phases and scale up in order to make greater achievement in future.
Don’t be victims of corruption
Using 1Corinthians 15: 32-33 from the Bible to make his point, the Databank CEO said Ghanaians ought not to remain passive victims of corruption but should become active particpants ingetting rid of the vice from the country.
He observed that all over the world, corrupt people never made it in life, a challenge that should motivate everybody to shun the vice.
He also bemoaned the tendency of the youth to give excuses for their failure, explaining that such an attitude was bad and must be discouraged.
“It is time Ghanaians, especially the youth, surmounted the challenges that confront them with boldness instead of allaying excuses to every misfortune that come their way,” he said.
He added that it was very crucial for the youth to put in their 10,000 hours in preparation and make sacrifices in their development to ensure a successful future.
Tips on entrepreneurship
The CEO of Databank also advised young entrepreneurs to always stay focused and worked on achieving to achieve their set targets.
Given that right counsel plays a key role in the success of people, Mr Addae-Mensah encouraged the youth to seek good counsel in order to help them make it in future.
He observed that everyone was thirsty for success but while some are more dtermined and serious, others are very passive.
In general terms, the CEO said it was important for the youth, especially those in tertiary institution, to make an effort to invest in their future.
The 10 commandments of Mr Addae-Mensah
1. Do not underestimate your potential because you are a Ghanaian.
2. Write down your dreams and follow them as planned.
3. Think big, start small, implement in phases and scale up.
4. Do not be corrupt.
5. Do not make excuses.
6. Be willing to put in more time, even if it is going to be your 10,000 hours, in preparation.
7. Stay focus and be like a laser, otherwise people will discourage you from attaining your dreams.
8. Get the right counsel.
9. Invest in your dreams.
10 Invest in your future